Old News Archive

American Legion Oratorical Contest

January 14, 2004 - MILO

Students and Officers:

The American Legion Post # 41 hall was packed for the first round of the National High School Oratorical Contest. The Purpose of the American Legion’s National High School Oratorical Contest is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States on the part of high school students. The contest is most challenging. Each contestant must make two presentations on the Constitution. First, The Prepared Oration of 8 to 10 minutes is prepared in advance, but must be delivered without notes or aids. Second, The Assigned Oration is three to five minutes in length. Each Contestant has only 5 minutes to prepare after the topic is given to them. Contestants, coaches, family, friends, judges and American Legion members enjoyed a spaghetti dinner prior to the contest. The audience was most impressed and absolutely focused on each of the presentations. The judges and the audience appreciated the excellent coaching by Amber McMillan, English teacher at Penquis, and the five students comprehensive preparation.

Commander Lee Leeman of Post # 41 presented the awards. Ashley Hamilton took First Place with a Gold Metal and a $ 100 US Saving Bond. Devin Gillespie is the First Runner Up with a Silver Metal and a $ 75 US Savings Bond. Syndi Drinkerwater won the Bronze Metal and a $ 50 Bond. Ashley Hamilton will represent the American Legion for Piscataquis County at the District Contest in Old Town Maine on February 8, 2004. She will compete against winners from Hancock and Penobscot Counties. Amber McMillan and Russell Carey of Penquis High will coach Ashley Hamilton. If her presentation Wednesday evening was any indication of her future success – she will be favored in Old Town. The winner from Old Town will compete in the state contest on February 13th in Augusta. The Winner from each state will compete at The National Contest at Indiana University – Purdue University in Indianapolis on April 3rd and 4th. The National winners will receive significant scholarships: First $ 18,000, Second $ 16,000, and Third $ 14,000. Numerous $ 1500 scholarships will also be awarded.

NOTE - This article reflects the views of the author and not necessarily those of the TRC Alliance Team.